Mary Anderson in Colors of New Brunswick Yacht Club, from the Yacht Colors of the World series (N140) issued by Duke Sons & Co. to promote Honest Long Cut Tobacco 1890

This color lithograph, created by W. Duke Sons & Co. around the turn of the century, features Mary Anderson adorned in the colors of the New Brunswick Yacht Club. Enclosing her portrait, we observe nautical symbols such as anchors, ropes, and a small sailboat, emblems of maritime life and adventure. Consider the anchor, a motif deeply rooted in human history. From ancient Greece to early Christianity, the anchor symbolized hope, steadfastness, and security amidst life's tempests. Here, it not only alludes to the maritime theme but also evokes a sense of stability in a rapidly changing world, an unconscious desire perhaps, reflected in the collective psyche of the time. The ropes, looping and binding, remind us of the interconnectedness of human endeavors, the ties that bind communities together, and the challenges of navigating life's complexities. These symbols are not merely decorative; they are carriers of cultural memory, continually resurfacing and evolving. They tap into our primal connection to the sea, reflecting our enduring quest for exploration, security, and meaning.